White waxy lumps on stems.

Russell57February 21, 2013

I have white waxy lumps on the stems of a hedge in my backyard. When small (2-3mm) they look like a little Mr Wippy icecreams, a conical shape. As they get larger they are more like a blob. When removed they have a pinkish mouth shape on their underside. I pick the large ones off but squash the smaller ones against the stem. Just wondering what they are and weather squashing them is OK or if I'm actually spreading the problem.

Russell, you've done a mighty fine job at describing the wax scale that Jean has identified! I suggest removing them rather than squishing. If you let us know the name of the plant and your general location, we can do a better job of coming up with the best solutions. Also, a good picture to allow us see the extent of the population would be helpful.

The eggs are inside the wax scale.....that's the pink stuff. That's why squishing might be a bad idea.

The usual control, oil sprays, for scale are not very effectiive against waxy scale since the oil does not form the barrier on them as it does on other scales. If not many the best control measure is hand picking with some suggestions that pyrethrin based materials can also be used although this very broad spectrum poison can also kill off the predators of this scale just as the much less desirable carbyrl will.

i would recommend just getting rid of a euonomys [WAG for sure] ... they are a plague on such [scale in general] ...... and not worth harming mother earth ...

when THINKING about chemicals.. you MUST start with a plant ID ... then a bug ID ... and then discuss ALL the remedies .. including removal of the plant ... i mean really .. is it worthwhile to spend $20 to 'save' a plant you can buy or replace for $10????

pic of plant and scale please ...

ken

ps: a month or so back we had a post from AU.. on some bush i never heard of.. that was being swallowed by scale.. anyone recall that plant.. piggley wiggley or something down under-ish??? lol ...